Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine): Benefits, Deficiency & Side Effects

• Health A-Z
  • Diseases & Conditions
  • Procedures & Tests
• Drugs & Medications
  • RX Drugs & Medications
• Health & Living
  • Diet & Weight Management
  • Exercise & Fitness
  • Nutrition and Healthy Living
  • Prevention & Wellness
• Media
  • Slideshows
  • Quizzes
  • Images
• Privacy & Other Trust Info
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Advertising Policy

• What brand names are available for cyanocobalamin?
• What are the side effects of cyanocobalamin?
• What is the dosage for cyanocobalamin?
• Which drugs or supplements interact with cyanocobalamin?
• Is cyanocobalamin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
• What else should I know about cyanocobalamin?

What brand names are available for cyanocobalamin?

Nascobal, Vitamin B12, VitaMelts Energy Bitamin B-12

Is cyanocobalamin available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for cyanocobalamin?

Yes

What are the side effects of cyanocobalamin?

Common side effects include

• joint pain,
• dizziness,
• headache, and
• cold symptoms.

Other side effects include:

• severe allergic reactions,
• diarrhea, and
• heart failure.

What is the dosage for cyanocobalamin?

(dosing may vary with individuals and with clinicians; doses presented here are examples for injection, not for oral or topical use) : Pernicious anemia (lifetime treatment required): 100 mcg intramuscularly or subcutaneously once daily for 6-7 days, followed by the same dose given on alternate days for seven doses, then every 3-4 days for another 2-3 months. Recommended maintenance dose is 100 mcg monthly for life.

For iron deficiency, the recommended dose is 30 mcg intramuscular injection once daily for 5-10 days then 100 to 200 mcg intramuscular injection monthly.

Which drugs or supplements interact with cyanocobalamin?

Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) may decrease the effectiveness of cyanocobalamine. Cancer drugs may reduce the response to cyanocobalamine treatment. Use of colchicine (Colcrys) and heavy alcohol intake for longer than 2 weeks may decrease the absorption of vitamin B12.

QUESTION

According to the USDA, there is no difference between a “portion” and a “serving.” See Answer

Is cyanocobalamin safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Cyanocobalamine has not been adequately evaluated in pregnant women. However, vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin and requirements are increased during pregnancy.

Cyanocobalamine is excreted into human milk and is safe to use while breastfeeding. Vitamin B12 requirements are increased in nursing mothers.

What else should I know about cyanocobalamin?

What preparations of cyanocobalamin are available?

Cyanocobalamine injection, 1000 mcg/mL

How should I keep cyanocobalamin stored?

Injection should be stored at 20 C - 25 C (68 F - 77 F).

Health News

• Experts Weigh in on Digital Health Wearables for Neurological Health
• AI-Generated Meal Plans for Dieting Teens Could Be Harmful
• Ultra-Processed Foods Bad for Bone Health
• Feed Babies Allergenic Foods Earlier, Not Later
• Study Finds 'Forever Chemicals' on California Fruits and Vegetables
• More Health News »

Summary

Cyanocobalamine (Nascobal, Vitamin B12, VitaMelts Energy Bitamin B-12) is a supplement used to treat vitamin deficiencies due to malabsorption associated with conditions like pernicious anemia, folic acid deficiency, pancreatic and bowel cancer, and tape worm infestation. Side effects, drug interactions, dosage, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this supplement.

Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes

• Celiac Disease Quiz: What Is Celiac Disease?

  Could celiac disease be the cause of your tummy troubles? Take the Celiac Disease Quiz to learn what certain foods may be doing...

• Picture of Pernicious Anemia

  Pernicious anemia is a disease where large, immature, nucleated cells (megaloblasts, which are forerunners of red blood cells)...

Related Disease Conditions

• Anemia

  Anemia (lack of blood) symptoms can vary depending on the cause. Symptoms may include fatigue, pale skin, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness. There are several anemia types. Anemia treatment depends upon the type.

• Peripheral Neuropathy

  Peripheral neuropathy occurs when peripheral nerves become damaged. Peripheral neuropathy causes include diabetes, shingles, vitamin deficiency, and alcohol use. Learn about the four types of peripheral neuropathy.

• Pernicious Anemia

  Pernicious anemia is a blood disorder in which the body does not make enough red blood cells due to a lack of vitamin B12 in the blood. Pernicious anemia can develop from a lack of a protein that helps the body absorb vitamin B12, not getting enough B12 in the diet, and certain intestinal conditions that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12 such as Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or ulcerative colitis. There is no cure for pernicious anemia, thus treatment is life-long.

• Celiac Disease

  Celiac disease is a condition in which a person has inflammation of the small intestinal mucosa when exposed to gluten in the diet. Symptoms of celiac disease include bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort. Treatment involves following a gluten-free diet. Some individuals may have refractory celiac disease in which they do not respond to a gluten-free diet.

• Crohn's Disease

  Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, primarily involving the small and large intestines, but it can affect other parts of the digestive system as well. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and weight loss are common symptoms and signs.

Treatment & Diagnosis

Doctor's Views

• Drugs: Buying Prescription Drugs Online Safely
• Drugs: The Most Common Medication Errors
• Medication Disposal
• Generic Drugs, Are They as Good as Brand-Names?

Medications & Supplements

Medications FDA Drug Labels on RxList.com

• cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B-12)

• Flagyl Injection
• Cyanocobalamin

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

See more info: cyanocobalamin-injection on RxList References FDA Prescribing Information